Leap Year Bits and Pieces – Orange Peel Candied, Citrus Salts and Some Things that Make Me Smile

“Candied Orange Peel” is so great to keep in the pantry to add to desserts, granolas and a cup of hot tea. Making candied citrus peel is easy and takes little active time to do. I cut the peel into strips about 2 inches long and soak in water for a few hours or overnight.

Then simmer in fresh water and sugar over low heat for about 45 minutes.

Drain on wire racks sitting on parchment paper until air dry. I store in my pantry in airtight containers for a few months.

“Citrus Salts” (lemon and orange)

Zest of an orange and two lemons both mixed with Maldon Sea Salt Flakes.

I use a mortar and pestle to make sure the oils are released.

Then I air dry overnight and store in air-tight jars. Great to use on roasted vegetables, grilled fish or chicken or to top simple sugar cookies.

Candied Orange Peel and Citrus Salts

Soak orange peel strips in water for a few hours or over night to soften. Drain peel in a colander.

Mix 1 1/2 cups sugar with 1 1/2 cups water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil and stir until sugar is dissolved.

Turn heat to simmer and add orange peel strips. Simmer, stirring every now and then for about 45 minutes. Remove orange peel from sugar syrup with a slotted spoon and spread out on wire racks sitting on parchment paper until air-dried completely. This can take up to one day depending on how humid the weather is.

Store dried candied orange peel in airtight containers for up to 3 months.

Ingredients for Citrus Salts:

zest from one orange

zest from 2 lemons

2 cups Maldon sea salt flakes divided

Directions:

Mix the orange zest with 1 cup of the sea salt flakes. Use a mortar and pestle to mix the zest and salt together to release the oils from the zest.

Spread out to dry on a sheet pan covered with parchment paper overnight.

17 thoughts on “Leap Year Bits and Pieces – Orange Peel Candied, Citrus Salts and Some Things that Make Me Smile”

Did/does your Dutch partner ride bikes? He looks like someone my husband & I rode with many years ago.

Jilah Kalil, M. Ed *Executive Director* *Community Food Advocates *

On Sun, Feb 28, 2016 at 6:56 PM, food on fifth wrote:

> Teresa Blackburn posted: ” “Candied Orange Peel” is so great to keep in > the pantry to add to desserts, granolas and a cup of hot tea. Making > candied citrus peel is easy and takes little active time to do. I cut the > peel into strips about 2 inches long and soak in water for a f” >

Well I am not sure…but he has been in Nashville with me for about 18 years now….he does, of course, ride a bike…he is Dutch! Thanks for the inquiry and for stopping by Food on Fifth. I would like to know more about your organization by the way. Happy March!

What great ideas to use up citrus peels…I don’t ever have to throw mine away as I have goats but another thing I use mine for is cleaning! I just throw a bunch of citrus peels in a spray bottle, fill with white vinegar and that is my go to cleaning spray..for everything! Kitchen counters, stovetop, fridge spills, bathroom, etc. etc. The vinegar has disinfectant properties and the peels give it a nicer scent! 🙂 And of course there’s always the simmering on the stove to fill your home with that lovely citrus scent!